INEC Extends 2027 Candidate Nomination Deadline After Parties Seek More Time

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for political parties to submit the names and personal particulars of their candidates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections following an appeal by political parties.

The commission announced that the submission window, which was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, July 11, 2026 will now remain open until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

INEC disclosed the extension in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to the commission, the decision followed a request by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), which appealed on behalf of political parties that had yet to complete the upload of their candidates' details before the initial deadline.

"The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved the extension of the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections by political parties," the statement said.

"The deadline for submission in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election being Saturday, 11th July 2026 has been extended to midnight on Tuesday, 14th July 2026."

INEC said the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring that all political parties are given a fair opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process while remaining within the provisions of the Electoral Act.

"The extension underscores the Commission's commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law," the commission stated.

The electoral body urged all political parties to take advantage of the additional three-day window to complete the upload of the names and personal particulars of their candidates before the revised deadline expires.

"The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline," the statement added.

The extension comes amid reports that several political parties encountered technical and logistical difficulties while attempting to upload candidates' information through INEC's online nomination portal.

The submission of candidates is a key milestone in the timetable for the 2027 general election, as political parties conclude their internal nomination processes ahead of the commencement of campaigns.